Diocese of

YR EGLWYS YNG NGHYMRU | THE CHURCH IN Spring 2017 Linking with Christians overseas Bound together by faith

Inside Mapping out ministry areas New music maestro NEWS

My Dear Friends

I just wanted to thank you, as a diocese, for your very generous retirement gift – I was deeply touched. Thank you too to all the clergy and the representative laity who came to my farewell service on 29th January. I am only sorry we had to curtail the numbers because the cathedral was too small to hold all who wanted to come. It has been an enormous privilege to serve you as your bishop. Thank you for the welcome, the hospitality and the generosity you have always shown towards me and to Hilary when she was alive. I will always remember Farewell service for you with deep affection and assure you of my prayers. the Yours in God’s love More than 500 people, representing Dr . During the service he churches from across South Wales, was thanked warmly for all his ministry packed into for an and given a standing ovation from the emotional farewell service to mark the whole congregation. retirement of the Archbishop of Wales,

Shortlist of candidates to be met as appointment process continues The process to appoint the next Bishop felt by all the candidates considered by “The Constitution of the Church in of Llandaff was continuing to a further the Electoral College who did not secure Wales requires that an electoral college stage with shortlisted candidates being enough support to be elected as Bishop meets for up to three days and that if met, as Croeso went to press. of Llandaff. However we are satisfied that the college fails to elect, the decision The appointment of the next Bishop the Electoral College process was carried passes to the Bench of Bishops. The of Llandaff fell to the Bench of Bishops out properly and fairly. Bishops are now acting carefully in full after a three-day meeting of the Electoral “The meeting was confidential and accordance with the Constitution. Unlike College in February ended with no we will not comment on speculation the Electoral College process, there is candidate receiving enough votes to be about the nomination and discussion no fixed timetable for an appointment declared Bishop-Elect. of candidates. However, we strongly process, however, the Bishops would The Bishops met to discuss a possible deny allegations of homophobia in the wish to announce any appointment made appointment, having consulted widely process. Neither homosexuality nor as soon as all necessary formalities are within their dioceses. They will now meet participation in a civil partnership are a bar finalised. The appointment process is with short-listed candidates. to any candidate being either nominated underway and we see no reason to halt it. In response to further questions about or elected as a Bishop in the Church in “The Bishops have stressed during the Electoral College for the Bishop of Wales. Moreover, this was made clear to the whole process that whoever Llandaff, the has issued members of the Electoral College by its becomes , whatever the following statement: President, the Bishop of and their circumstances, will receive their full “We understand the disappointment Brecon. support.”

Bishop David steps down The Assistant Bishop of Llandaff, David Education, Schools and Young People enable that person to “run free”. He said Wilbourne, has announced his intention and represented the Church on the it had been the ‘greatest privilege’ to be to step down on Easter Day. National Society Council. Assistant Bishop of Llandaff – ‘a diocese Bishop David was appointed eight In a statement sent to all diocesan teaming with life and hope’ - and to have years ago to assist Dr Morgan, who was clergy, Bishop David said he wanted to worked with Dr Morgan. also Archbishop of Wales. He has also “hand over the baton” to Dr Morgan’s For full statement and tribute visit served as the Church’s lead bishop on successor as Bishop of Llandaff to http://llandaff.churchinwales.org.uk/

2 | CROESO Spring 2017 NEWS

From OXO tins to online donations…..

60By Mari years McNeill, South of Wales Christian Regional Coordinator Aid collecting

Reaching out to refugees Sixty years ago, something special that were feeding us, and I never forgot it. fun day in Dinas happened. In May 1957 churches That is why I volunteer for Christian Aid. Powys and a throughout Britain and Ireland decided to The people then who were contributing teddy bear put aside one week in the year to outreach through Christian Aid Week helped me to parachute off into their communities, inviting their survive. I feel I owe my life to the cause”. the top of St neighbours to be part of the churches’ Theodor is 91, and a dedicated Christian Mary’s Church ongoing work of helping refugees in the Aid Week volunteer in Scotland. tower in aftermath of the Second World War. That Fittingly Christian Aid Week 2017 Whitchurch! signalled the first Christian Aid Week. focusses on our work today with And Coity, Six areas within the Diocese organised refugees in Europe. Since the borders Nolton and collections for that first week – Aberdare, closed last year leaving thousands of Brackla kicked of the Blaendulais, Cardiff, Dowlais and refugees stranded, Christian Aid’s work Week early when they decided to lay on Merthyr, Pontardawe and in Greece includes setting a Big Brekkie in February. Hoping to get Tonyrefail. Church members Llandaff up community kitchens. along thirty or forty people on a Saturday used whatever they had to Cathedral ……. Providing stoves and cash morning, with a week to go the sign-up make collecting tins (think, to allow refugees to buy lists were into the eighties and a few gate OXO and Ovaltine!) and the first church and cook their own food crashers lifted the total number of ‘full is an important shred of boldly took to the streets. in Wales to English’ served to well over a hundred! Many of us have stories autonomy. We are also Every single action counts to raise vital to share about why we get ever raise over providing legal protection funds to bless many lives. From 1957, involved in Christian Aid services to unaccompanied when a generation of Christians decided Week, how we’re inspired by £10,000. children and families and they would not stand by while people Jesus’ love for us, and how housing support to some of suffered in refugee camps, to today – we it is an act of witness in our communities. the most vulnerable refugees awaiting won’t turn our backs now. What will you Orphaned at eight, Theodor Davidovic relocation. be doing this Christian Aid Week? was a teenager during the Second The contribution of the Diocese To get involved (14-20 May) visit www. World War and fought in the resistance counts. Last year Llandaff Cathedral christianaid. movement in Serbia against Germany. reenergised their house to house org.uk/caweek In the political chaos after the war’s end, collecting and became the first church in or the Cardiff he fled his country. He lived in refugee Wales to ever raise over £10,000. Many office cardiff@ camps in Europe for two and a half churches tried initiatives to strengthen christian-aid.org years: “It was the Christians who sent their outreach, including a Victorian tea 02920844646 the parcels. It was the big organisations party in Peterston-super-Ely, a family

CROESO Spring 2017 | 3 NEWS

More women pleaseA group from the launch of MAECymru The Revd Sue Brown of MAECymru – an organisation set up to promote gender equality in the Church in Wales – examines the make-up of our diocesan committees and urges women to take up more senior roles.

I wonder what role you play in your as wardens, treasurers, secretaries, and It is important because balance gives church? This has to be a question for all as members of the plethora of associated perspective whether it is work-life of us, male or female. I am not just being committees. And so there is no lack balance or, seemingly more mundanely, nosey, so please bear with me. Can you of skill or experience, enthusiasm or how our committees are constituted – lay/ reflect for a moment on why you have training. However, it is a different story ordained, female/male. Lack of balance taken on that role? Was it something when we look at the make-up of diocesan distorts perspective because it means you chose to do or was committees. that areas of experience and information it a case of necessity? The table speaks for are missing. The result is the distortion Maybe you stepped into itself and if you look at of the decision making process and its the breach because no the diocesan website outcomes. This cannot be good for the one else volunteered? you will see a similar Church and our mission as disciples, or What role might you like picture. In areas of for us as individuals. to fulfil and what talents/ spirituality, education, As we move forward with Ministry experience/training/ safeguarding, support Areas and the appointment of Bishop enthusiasm qualifies and administration women Joanna as the Church in Wales’ first you for that position? Revd Sue Brown are well represented, but female Bishop, perhaps now is as good Goodness, this is all when it comes to finance, a time as any to reflect on the nitty gritty beginning to sound like a buildings and more senior of our church and diocesan committees, job application form. However, it is not a positions this is not the case. which can be so influential, and then to matter of applying for a ‘job’ since this is Why is this happening? Is it all respond. about something you are already doing. down to a lack of confidence amongst A reflection on the nature of the ‘doing’ women? Is it because men are generally might result in a growth of confidence more competitive? Is it a cultural and The Venerable Peggy Jackson, that enables you to take it a step further. sociological issue? Is it something and chair If we look at the make-up of our church inherent in the nature of our ecclesiastical of the diocesan gender monitoring congregations and committees, there are institution? group said that the Diocesan a high percentage of women who serve And why is it important anyway? Standing Committee was fully committed to gender balance at all Committee Members Male Female Ordained Lay levels of church life. (as of 1.12.16) She said, “The Diocesan Diocesan Advisory 11 6 5 4 7 Standing Committee established Committee a gender monitoring group which Diocesan Board of 9 5 4 4 5 continues to meet regularly to Education monitor and report on gender Diocesan Board of 18 13 5 7 11 statistics at all levels of church life Finance and offer suggestions and ideas as to how we can continue to improve Parsonage Board 7 5 2 5 2 the balance.” Standing Committee 30 20 10 17 13

4 | CROESO Spring 2017 FEATURE

From Lisvane to Uganda .... Why a group of parishioners from St Denys Church started the year with an 11-day visit to Mbale, a town in Eastern Uganda.

When the Revd Chris Burr arrived in their new link church several times also visited a number of medical centres Lisvane seven years ago he found a busy leading services and children’s ministry, as well as the local hospital which serves and thriving parish but one that had no preaching, sharing testimony, and joining a district population of over three million! established overseas link. in with some wonderfully lovely and “Mbale is a world away from life Having been involved himself in the authentic African worship. The church in Lisvane but the friendship and charity PONT for a number of years, itself is only four years old and operates partnership forged between St Denys which links communities in South out of a very basic rented building yet Church and Exodus Church Kamonkoli Wales with those in Mbale, he set about already has a congregation of well over is a truly remarkable example of the faith encouraging parishioners to join him on a 200. They have a young trainee pastor, that binds us together being far more visit to Uganda. Andrew Sabakaki, whom St Denys are important than any cultural differences. “I wanted people to see for currently sponsoring through theological “The members at St Denys are themselves how a meaningful link college. committed to further strengthening with a church overseas could impact The team also visited a variety of the ties between the churches and them as individuals and as a faith projects and were hosted by several to encourage others to share in what community,” he said. different NGOs (non government one team member described as ‘the This resulted in the first parish visit organisations). These included: experience of a lifetime’. in 2015 when a formal link between • Child of Hope - a school and “It was a privilege to share even St Denys and Exodus Baptist Church, children’s home established just a couple of weeks with people who, Mbale was forged. This was followed up seven years ago by a lady from driven by their faith, shine as beacons with a second visit this January, involving Dorset and her Ugandan husband to of hope in the most desperate of 16 people drawn from all three of St educate and care for street children circumstances. It’s both humbling and Denys’ main Sunday congregations. in the Namatala slum district of inspiring.” “We’re a very diverse and eclectic Mbale. Today it serves over 450 If you’d like to read more about the church and it was a joy to see people children every day and provides team’s adventures and experiences of all ages and backgrounds come a high standard of teaching and in Uganda you can visit the blog they together and gel so brilliantly through support. kept each day at their shared experiences,” said Chris. • Uganda Women’s Concern uganda2017blog. Mbale itself is very green and lush but Ministries - an organisation which wordpress.com/ is set in an extremely poor part of the mentors women and trains them blog world. The vast majority of people live in in acquiring a variety of skills, huts without running water or electricity empowering them to seek a way and survive by subsistence farming. out of poverty. Over half of the population is under the • Hope Ministries - an NGO which age of sixteen with high levels of infant provides shelter, fellowship and mortality and one of the lowest rates of hope to women diagnosed with HIV life expectancy in the world. who’ve been ostracised by their Despite the challenges of living in such families and communities and often poverty people there work extremely left homeless and penniless. hard to survive and those from St Denys There were many other wonderful and testify to having encountered some truly varied initiatives visited including projects inspirational people. aimed at providing sustainable energy, Whist in Mbale the group visited tree planting and bee keeping. The group

CROESO Spring 2017 | 5 AROUND THE DIOCESE Around the Diocese Restored and rehung to ring out once again Following the successful restoration of the spire and tower of St Michael’s in the parish of Cwmafan, the next plan was to restore and rehang the two bells that had lain unused in the tower room for many years.

The bells which date from the 17th the congregation, the church societies, century are original to St Michael’s, with and the community. one having the date 1641 cast into it. After being restored and retuned the Funding for the project came from bells were rehung from new fittings in successful grant applications to the the tower room and are now ringing out go to the parish Men in Motion team Pilgrim Trust and the Allchurches Trust once again. (pictured) who helped the engineers although more than half was raised The work was carried out by with the work to remove and reinstall the through fund raising and donations from Nicholson Engineering. Thanks also bells. Ringing the changes All swish when A special service of thanksgiving has since 1922 but which had to be taken dishing up at St been held to bless the new bell at St down two years ago during repairs to Edward’s Church in Penylan, Cardiff. the bell tower. Luke’s The ‘new’ 15 inch ‘James Wells Unfortunately once lowered the A new kitchen area and servery has Aldbourn Wilts Fecit 1816’ was donated ‘Waterloo’ bell was found to be so badly been unveiled at St Luke’s Church in to the parish and secured into place by in need of repair and the cost to rehang Canton, Cardiff. specialist bell hangers Matthew Higby it so high that the parish reluctantly had Funding for the attractive oak and Co. to put it into storage. servery which will enhance the post- It replaces the previous ‘Waterloo’ But a chance phone call between worship refreshment set-up came from bell cast in 1815 by Jasper Westcott and the bell hangers and a PCC in Somerset the Centenary Fund and the Diocesan Sons which had hung at St Edward’s who were looking for a sixth bell to Mission Fund. complete their ring of five founded by “The servery is stunning. It is all we Jasper Westcott led to it being sold. And had hoped for and we are excited about so the bell which is thought to have been using it in the future mission planning for founded from a cannon from the Battle St Luke’s. It gives scope for the church of Waterloo left the parish to be restored building to be used in our own events and rehung with its brothers (or sisters). programme and to invite community Parishioner Kathie Mayer said, “We users into church,” said Susan Jones, will not forget our old Waterloo bell and Canton Benefice administrator. wish it well for its onward journey.” • Also a ‘safe room’ has been secured in St Luke’s plus an alarm system for the building and a personal A Llanharry church celebrates its alarm for the clergy, following a successful Home Office application. £170,000 restoration project The Government had set aside funds to assist churches in enhancing their A Rhondda Cynon Taf church glass windows, the church walls and security following tragic events last year. has undergone a major £170,000 the porch, internal decorating and the refurbishment project to make it fit for installation of new central heating. 21st century worship. Parish priest the Revd Sue Rees said, The restoration St Illtyd’s Church in “The whole point of this refurbishment Llanharry was made possible thanks was to secure the church fabric for the to a £100,900 grant from the Heritage future service of the community and as Lottery Fund. Work included a new a springboard for God’s mission here in roof for the nave, repairs to the stained- Llanharry.”

6 | CROESO Spring 2017 New £1m community centre opens More than 100 people celebrated the official opening of an innovative new community centre which is breathing fresh life into one of the most deprived areas in South Wales.

The St Paul’s Centre in Aberavon, which The Aberavon parish secured was built in church grounds, boasts a funding to build and manage the cafe and lounge, conference facilities distinctive glass-fronted centre thanks with super-fast broadband, a hall, large to a £500,000 grant from the Big Lottery meeting room plus offices and a digital Fund coupled with a £300,000 grant suite. from the Welsh Government. Other Local Aberavon AM David Rees cut monies came from various sources such the ribbon to officially open the building as the local council and the parish itself. that includes stained glass windows The centre is run by Community groups such as baby massage, mother from the former St Paul’s Church, Development and Operations manager, and toddler, a dads group, ballet, which closed in 2013, as part of its Mr Roger Williams who said, “St Paul’s a sewing group and air cadets to contemporary interior features. Centre will strive to be a centre of organisations such as Keep Wales Tidy, excellence for education training and Flying Start, local schools and social skills.” housing. A drop-in job club meets at the Canon Nigel Cahill, Rector of centre every Wednesday and the centre Aberavon said, “We are hugely excited also provides a Christians Against to have a building with these qualities Poverty debt service which offers a free that can reach into the community and award winning service to enable clients help people in their everyday lives with to become debt free. things that really matter to them.” The centre is open Monday to Friday Centre users range from community with occasional opening at the weekend.

Celtic Saints Church’s anniversary gift to brought to life in Syrian children floral displays On a special anniversary it is customary children in war-torn Syria. to receive gifts, but instead St The evening featured entertainment Catherine’s Church in Neath made its by Neath Male Choir, Neath Ukulele Celebrating 60 years in St Andrew’s own gift to the Save The Children’s Club, Thomas Howell (piano & organ), Crescent, Cardiff, Eglwys Dewi Sant is Syrian Children Appeal. 11 year-old soprano Penelope George, holding a four-day flower festival from At a concert to celebrate the and the ladies of St Catherine’s Choir, June 22-25. Melyncrythan church’s 125th with sponsorship from Hikary’s Fish With the theme of ‘In the Footsteps anniversary £800 was raised to help Bar. of the Celtic Saints’, church members, flower clubs, churches and chapels in and around Cardiff will seek to reflect their lives in floral displays. Chelsea Playing the right gold medallist June Donald Morgan will give a talk on the Thursday evening - tune £10 entry, including refreshments and Organist Valerie Parker of St Mary wine. Magdalene’s Church, Cwmbach has Entry to the flower festival is free, been honoured for her dedicated with the programme costing £3. It will service. Mrs Parker who has served the be open daily from 10.30am-6pm, 12- parish for the past 50 years and as full- 6pm on Sunday. Monies raised will be time organist since the 1980s, received shared between Marie Cure Hospice at the Archbishop of Wales’ Certificate of Holme Towers and Eglwys Dewi Sant. Merit in Church Music during a special www.eglwysdewisant.org.uk service at Llandaff Cathedral.

CROESO Spring 2017 | 7 FEATURE How Ministry Areas are shaping up

Ministry Area Development Mark Brampton takes a look at how 2020 Vision is being successfully driven forward in Llandaff

You can’t really put a Llandaff Ministry • Partnership effective and many important initiatives Area into a box. Grown from the ground • Conversation stage preceded the 2012 Review. Many up, they will look different. • Single Parishes individual parishes are very committed However you can think of most Many Ministry Areas will to lay ministry, connecting with young parishes in one of four groups; acknowledge that they have a long way people, nurturing vocations, reaching • Ministry Area to go. Some partnerships are proving those unfamiliar with the church, and

Llandaff Diocese

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3 10 Ministry Area or Groups 7 1. Barry 1 2. Pontypridd 3. Wenvoe, Sully Dinas Group 4. Upper Rhondda Partnerships 2020 Vision 5. & 6. East Vale 10. Penarth 13 , Gelligaer, 7. Llantwit Major 11. Lisvane and Roath Park Llanfabon & Treharris 8. Cowbridge 12 Pentrych, Tongwynlais & 14 LOG Team 9. Neath Radyr group

8 | CROESO Spring 2017 serving their community in new ways. However the journey to Ministry Area is an important part of our response to our 2020 vision. Not just maintaining the Church but growing it. • 22% of the Diocese is served by a Ministry Area • 16% are served by parishes working together in significant partnerships • 26% are currently planning or are engaged in a conversation Barry Ministry Area licensing process to form a Ministry Area

2020 Vision Progress The creation of Ministry Areas led Llandaff by teams of clergy and lay people 22% lies at the heart of the strategy for 35% Ministry Area or Groups growth called for by the Church in Wales Review, which was 2020 Vision Partnership 16% commissioned to see how the Church could best serve Wales by Conversation in progress or planned 26% the time it celebrates its centenary in 2020 SIngle or Grouped Parishes

Growing leaders for the future

Eighteen people from six different churches have embarked on a year-long leadership course in the Pontypridd Ministry Area.

The aim of the course, which is being “The course covers a range of topics “As a relatively new Ministry Area our run for the first time, is to encourage and such as different leadership styles and strategy is to show that we are one group support lay people to be more confident about how our faith influences the way and initiatives like this will help people to in their leadership positions in church life in which we lead others - so there is an identify more as and mission. element of reflection as well,” said Revd one group. There It is open to all sorts of people involved Lewis. are people from “2020 Vision in church life from PCC members, “Many lay people will have been given three different wardens and Sunday School leaders, to a job and just got on with it – this course Messy Churches maybe aspirational Mothers’ Union leaders and those leading will help them to understand what they attending so it but a course like prayer groups and Messy Church. have been called to do when they have will be a brilliant It is being led by the Revd Peter a role in church life and help them to point of contact this is a tool which Lewis (pictured below), supported by a look at new ways of doing things. It will for them. will help us get number of ordinands, and run in monthly also allow us to show them that they are “In the past sessions at St Catherine’s Church café respected, encouraged and supported in it was only the there.” on a Sunday evening. their respective roles. clergy that had access to courses like this but now that is changing as we make these types of courses accessible to the laity. 2020 Vision may be aspirational but a course like this is a tool which will help us get there.” The CPAS (the Church Pastoral Aid Society) course will be run regularly in Pontypridd to enable others to attend in the future.

CROESO Spring 2017 | 9 FEATURE

Alfred George Edwards How we came to be As we choose our next Archbishop, the Venerable David Lee looks at how the Church in Wales was established nearly 100 years ago.

In these days of ecumenical fellowship Lloyd George, who had an unremitting The First World War and co-operation it may be difficult for us hostility to the privileged ruling elite to appreciate that in the 19th century the of the country and he included the The outbreak of war in 1914 meant churches in Wales were at war with each established Church of in this that under the Parliament Act, at a other. The Anglican Church in Wales was category. It was thought that there was time of national emergency, a Bill that detested by many who an agreement with the leaders of Welsh had passed its stages in the House of thought it was rich, privileged and out nonconformity that if they gave their Commons could be presented to the King of touch. The nonconformist churches support to the Liberal Party in its rise for royal assent without going through the were at the height of their power and to power then the Liberal Party would Lords. This gave the Liberal Government were united in their desire to destroy do what it could to destroy the Church the chance to push through the Welsh the in Wales. There of England in Wales. The method to be Church Act, which was devised to shut were reasons for this situation. Because used was to disestablish the four Welsh down the Anglican Church and strip it of the four Welsh dioceses were part of dioceses by Act of Parliament and to all its assets. the established Church of England confiscate their assets – this was called However, the Suspensory Act of 1914 they were entitled to impose a tithe in disendowment. This controversy raged meant that the Welsh Church Act would each parish; this was a tax on people for over 50 years and was conducted not be put into effect until after the war. to pay for the maintenance of their in the press, in Parliament and in public So negotiations were undertaken to local vicar. Many of the parishioners meetings. soften some of the worst effects of the had no connection with the church and However, the Church was not without Welsh Church Act. were already committed to supporting its defenders. In the early 20th century Young men of Wales were now being their own chapel. Then there was the Bishop John Owen of St Davids and sent to the Western front where a sense of problem of graveyards. In most small Bishop Alfred Edwards of brotherhood developed which overcame communities the only graveyard was that were tireless in their efforts addressing all social prejudices and attitudes. The of the parish church, but to be buried hundreds of packed meetings throughout religious disputes at home faded into there meant paying the vicar and having England and Wales. They argued that the insignificance, as chapel or church, all men him to conduct the burial according to Church in Wales was the original church were comrades in arms. Letters sent home the rites of the established Church, not of the Welsh people which existed before from the front reflected a changing attitude something the nonconformist members there was any organised government towards the established Church. The could tolerate. The Church was a or parliament, that it ministered to the heroic pastoral work of military chaplains, wealthy body owning tracts of land and people in every parish of Wales, that no- most of whom were priests of the buildings, the income from which helped one was excluded from its ministry and Church of England, was also recognised. to maintain the local church. At a time founders of the Protestant churches in Meanwhile at home there was a change of when the industrial development of the Wales in the eighteenth century were heart among the nonconformist churches country was increasing and land was clerics of the Anglican Church. They who were shocked to learn that the money required for the expansion of the towns acknowledged the social problems and to be taken from the Church in Wales was the Church’s land holdings were seen as offered reform of the system. However, to be given for secular rather than religious an impediment to this development. they were no match for the Liberal Party uses. So the narrative was spread that when it came to political manoeuvring. the Church of England in Wales was In the General Election of 1911 the The Amending Act a foreign body, imposed on the Welsh Liberal Party swept to power and it people by the English state, and that made several attempts to pass the Public attitude changed in Wales its possessions really belonged to the Welsh Church Act but all failed due to especially with members of the people of Wales. This view was led the opposition of the House of Lords. nonconformist churches and their by rising star of the Liberal Party David leaders. It influenced the Welsh members

10 | CROESO Spring 2017 Alwyn Rice Derrick Childs Jones Barry Morgan of parliament and made possible the The Church in Wales who became the first secretary of the Welsh Church Amending Act of 1919. Representative Body, and Archdeacon Battles raged not only on the Western The Welsh Church Act said nothing Charles Green who eventually became Front but at Westminister too. It was a about the future role of the four Welsh the and the second time of confidential negotiations, of offers dioceses after disestablishment. The Archbishop of Wales. of compromise, of promises made and Church in Wales as we now have it The Church in Wales came into promises broken. The Liberals resisted was the creation of the Archbishop of existence on 1st April 1920 and on 1st change but finally gave way thanks to a Canterbury, Randall Davidson, who June 1920 the Archbishop of Canterbury Conservative coalition government. released the Welsh bishops from their installed Bishop Alfred Edwards as the On Friday 24th July 1919 Bishop oaths of obedience and put in motion first Archbishop of Wales at St Asaph Edwards and his colleagues were told that the consultations which resulted in the Cathedral. they could have an Amending Bill but only creation of the Church in Wales as an It took the Church in Wales some if they drafted it themselves by Monday independent self-governing province of time to recover from the trauma of the morning. The Bishop’s team worked the world-wide Anglican Communion disestablishment controversy. It is a without sleep through the weekend and of Churches. The creation of its sign of its remarkable recovery that in presented the Bill in time and it was passed Constitution, and the setting up of the 2002 the Archbishop of Wales, Rowan that week. When the Welsh Church Act Representative Body of the Church in Williams, was appointed the 104th was eventually put into effect in 1920 the Wales to look after its property and the Archbishop of Canterbury. church was disestablished but much had Governing Body of the Church in Wales • The Venerable David Lee was been saved except for all the assets it had to make laws for the church, owed Archdeacon of Llandaff from acquired before 1662 amounting to an much to the work of Judges Bankes 1991 to 1997 income of £48,000 a year. and Sankey, the solicitor, Frank Morgan, Who will be the next Archbishop of Wales?

The Electoral College to choose the next Archbishop will meet at Holy Trinity, Llandrindod Wells from June 7 to 9. Croeso explains the process.

What is the Electoral College? the Archbishop’s provincial duties. How long does it take?

The Electoral College to elect an How is an Archbishop elected? The Electoral College may meet for up Archbishop is drawn from the same to three consecutive days to reach a panel of provincial electors as for other The same procedure is used as for the decision. If after that time no candidate elections. However, the composition of election of diocesan bishops. Electoral has reached the two-thirds threshold, the College is slightly different. Each College members may nominate the decision passes to the Bench of diocese is represented by three clergy candidates for consideration and a Bishops. and three lay members, plus their vote is taken by private ballot once diocesan bishop. Unlike the election the candidates have been discussed. What happens next? of diocesan bishops, no diocese has a Whichever candidate receives two- “home” weighting. thirds of the votes of those present and Once a candidate has been elected, voting, is declared Archbishop. the normal practice is for the bishops to Who can be an Archbishop? confirm his or her election immediately. How does someone get The new Archbishop is then welcomed The Archbishop is elected from among elected Archbishop? back to his or her home cathedral in a the six serving diocesan bishops of the service of welcome sometimes called Church in Wales. The new Archbishop They need to be a diocesan bishop an enthronement. then continues in his or her existing in the Church in Wales first, then get diocesan role in addition to taking on nominated and elected.

CROESO Spring 2017 | 11 SCHOOL NEWS

Pupils around the globe Day at the link up to tackle extremism museum A group of Year 5 and Year 6 pupils from All Saints Church in Wales Primary School in Barry had the opportunity to work in partnership with the National Museum Cardiff, to create guided tours for children and families around the galleries as part of Kids in Museums Takeover Day. The children, with help from many museum experts, created a tour of the Evolution of Wales Gallery. They were given the chance to go behind Pupils at a multicultural primary school are linking with the scenes to get an up-close look at children around the world on a project to tackle extremism. the specimens on display and learn all about them. This culminated in pupils presenting Between them the children at St schools across the world.” their tour live to families on the Monica’s Church in Wales Primary Judy O’Connell Coon, founder of museum’s families open day. School in Cathays, Cardiff speak 23 JDO came over from Colorado to visit Aled Williams, deputy head said, languages with 67% of pupils speaking the school. She believes that children “The children did a wonderful job English as an additional language. Many are the best placed to be able to break and everyone who attended the tours religions are represented with 58% of down barriers which may exist between gave them great feedback. They pupils being Christian, 31% Muslim and different people. were amazed at how professional the others follow faiths such as Buddhism The Foundation’s aim is to have at children were and how much they and Sikhism. least two schools in each European knew about the specimens in the The school has worked closely with country linked with schools in different gallery.” the local faith community (Christian and States in the USA - with St Monica’s Muslim) to help widen understanding being one of these two in Wales. about faith, culture and customs and has “In St Monica’s we have two also had multi-faith prayer events and classes linked to two other schools, reflection days following terror attacks one in Wisconsin, the other in Belfast. which have happened around the world. The teachers from each of the linked “This term we have been working classes collaboratively plan activities closely with the JDO Foundation, a for their pupils, the pupils then work charity in the USA, on an international collaboratively using Google Apps for linking project,” said head teacher Abi Education – Google Classroom, for Beacon. example writing and editing a story “This project is a fabulous way for together in virtual classrooms,” said Ms us to continue and further develop Beacon. the work we have been doing and is a “The Foundation has gifted us 1:1 proactive way to tackle extremism and technology for children involved in the misunderstandings with children and project to use which gives each child the teachers within St Monica’s and with right tools for collaboration.”

Bishop opens room for pupils to play and pray Alderman Davies Church in Wales the local community. Primary School were delighted to The Godly Playroom has been welcome Bishop David Wilbourne to designed as a tranquil and spiritual oasis school to bless and open their Godly within a busy and vibrant school where Playroom. children will be able to learn and reflect The blessing was preceded by a on stories from the Bible and in so doing Eucharist service conducted by Bishop develop in their relationship with God. David, where the Year 6 pupils were Bishop David Wilbourne and the joined by some of the school’s many Revd Lynda Newman are pictured with friends from the Benefice of Neath and pupils.

12 | CROESO Spring 2017 PROFILE Chaplain to the students By Sarah Hopkins-Weaver

The Revd David Sheen is the Anglican Chaplain to thousands of students at Cardiff University, organising events throughout the year to promote friendship, inclusivity and wellbeing. Here he tells us how he came to be chaplain and what his role entails.

David works alongside a team of Physiotherapy at university in Coventry alongside his role as chaplain. chaplains representing a variety of faiths, and then worked for the NHS for As conversation passes from although each chaplain is there to support several years. For part of this time, he interfaith work, to LGBT+ inclusion, to anyone and everyone. Pastorally, they didn’t consider himself an overly devout rights for people living with HIV in the provide each person they encounter with Christian, but after falling in love, starting 90s, the topic then turns to politics, the same non-judgmental and positive a family and finding a local church, he America and Brexit, in what David terms outlook. They guide a lot of interfaith felt the tone had been set for what was as a good thing as well as a bad thing. work, encouraging students of faith, or to come next. There was no ‘blinding Telling the story of an Indian friend who non-faith, to talk to each other about their light experience’ but after several years has lived in the UK for 20 years and has beliefs. he realised that perhaps he was being recently received racial hatred for the “The idea is about sharing our called to ordained ministry. first time, David looks frustrated. narrative, sharing our story,” explains After reading Theology at Cardiff, he “What’s been revealed is something David. “It’s about sharing our faiths so was ordained a , and a priest ugly, but was obviously already present. that we can all learn something. a year later, completed a part-time So in a sense it’s a good thing, we now “There’s a lot of fear out there and Masters degree, and served for 10 years recognise that there are things to be fear is formed when we often don’t in three different parishes - Cowbridge, constantly guarded against. You can’t understand or recognise ‘the other’,” said Penarth and Pontypridd - before taking actually take homophobia, racism, David. “When the bonds of friendship his current post three years ago. islamophobia or whatever, and make it and understanding are built it breaks Of his time in the parishes he suddenly go away.” down that fear.” remembers rushing along country roads David believes that the university is David organises many one-off inter in Cowbridge to get from church to one of the best places to disembowel faith events throughout the year, although church. hatred, with a rich and diverse variety much of his work focuses on running “It was the only place where I could of students, open to education and weekly gatherings. Weekly evening talks, genuinely say, ‘sorry I was late for this confronting deep issues. Likewise, the £1 lunches and drop-in cafes mean that service, there were sheep in the road’! current political climate gives David David sees hundreds of students and There were several times when I had to even more to strive for with his aims as staff as the chaplaincy aims to encourage jump out of the car in my cassock and chaplain. a positive, open and honest experience herd sheep”. “When people become friends they from its base in Park Place. And at the But don’t be fooled into thinking that enter different levels of conversation, heart of the chaplaincy is daily worship in David has settled down completely now like politics, or other pressing issues the chapel. that he is University Chaplain. He plans that people often fear or turn away from. Before entering the priesthood to do a part time PhD with the School Actually, these are very important topics David studied of History, Archaeology and that a large number of people take Religion at Cardiff, working very seriously, and so we must not shy away.”

CROESO Spring 2017 | 13 COMINGS & GOINGS

Q What’s the best thing about your onwards towards bed time! job? A Working with inspiring groups of Q What plans do you have for the people – this includes the boys of future for music in the Cathedral? In the Cathedral choir and the small the diocese? but dedicated team working behind A I hope to extend the repertoire of the scenes at the cathedral. Then, of the cathedral choir and to expand the course, there is the cathedral organ music department by encouraging which is just fantastic, and which I young people from across the diocese am lucky enough to play regularly. to get involved - this may include And lastly I am fortunate enough to setting up a youth choir and a junior do something which I love on a daily choir in time. I also hope to take the basis, and, as a musician, have a choir out of the cathedral, singing in regular means of performing which is churches throughout the diocese and fairly rare. assisting with fundraising. ©Huw Riden

Q What’s the worst thing about your Q What’s the most unusual thing you job? have had to do as part of your job? A Reasonably long days. I’m usually A Playing the organ with a pint of beer in the Song Room at 7am four on the bench next to me at all times TakeStephen Moore, 32,Five took up mornings a week to prepare for the during a ‘Beer and Hymns’ fundraising the post of Director of Music boys’ rehearsal before school. After event in my last post. It was a very an hour’s rehearsal then comes a successful evening! at Llandaff Cathedral in full day’s work in the office, after September 2016. Previously school supervision of the boys and Q What’s your favourite karaoke he had been Director of Music then rehearsal and Evensong, ending song? at St Matthew’s Church, at 6pm. Organ practice, rehearsals A Who doesn’t enjoy crooning along Northampton for six years. or meetings often follow, pushing to ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’?!

Appointments Retiring Aberavon’s new The Revd Jayne The Revd Team Vicar is Shaw, assistant Paul Bigmore already a familiar curate of Coity, retired as Vicar face around the Nolton and Brackla, is of Ynyshir on benefice – for to be priest-in-charge March 31. He the Revd Rhun of Cilybebyll. was previously ap Robert has Vicar of been the assistant The Revd Chris Tylorstown with curate for the past two and a half years. Coles has been Ynyshir – preceded by curacies in the Rhun, a former teacher who originates appointed Area Dean Rhondda and Cardiff. His Music in the from North Wales, moved to Aberavon of Neath, taking over Community project continues to bring with his wife Magdalena and their three from Canon Stephen music into the lives of thousands of young children after his ordination at Ryan. people each year – after being set up Llandaff Cathedral in 2014. to rekindle interest in music. Canon Stewart Lisk has been appointed The Revd Edward as Area Dean of Cardiff, taking over from Dowland-Owen, Canon Bob Capper. formerly Team Leaving Vicar in the The new Diocesan The Revd Jonathan Widdess, priest- Rectorial Benefice Chancellor, Judge in-charge of and Deri with of Cowbridge, has Andrew Keyser Brithdir, has left the diocese following moved to Margam as priest-in-charge. QC, has been his appointment as Vicar of Cumnor in installed at Llandaff the diocese of Oxford. The Revd Phelim Cathedral. Mr O’Hare, Team Vicar Keyser, who was The Revd Christopher Lewis-Jenkins, of the Rectorial previously Deputy Vicar of Dinas and Penygraig, has Benefice of Canton, Chancellor takes also left the diocese following his has been appointed over from His Honour Sir John Griffith appointment as priest-in-charge priest-in-charge of Williams, QC, who has retired after 18 of the Parish of Laugharne with Cardiff St German with St Saviour. years in the post. Llansadwrnen.

14 | CROESO Spring 2017 NEWS

ddangos ei fod yn dechrau profi tywyllwch ‘nos yr enaid’, sef yn ôl Saunders, y ‘cyflwr o baratoi ar gyfer cymundeb perffaith â Ail Dröedigaeth William Duw’. Daw’r ‘goleuo’ yn Theomemphus, ac asgwrn cefn y llyfr yw’r drafodaeth ar y gân hon. Yna ceir y trydydd cyfnod, yn Williams Pantycelyn ôl Saunders, gyda Williams yn cerdded Bardd, emynydd ac awdur rhyddiaith y Canol Oesoedd, y math o farddoniaeth Ffordd yr Uno yn Ffarwel Weledig a grefyddol oedd William Williams a fyddai wedi’i hysbrydoli gan y cyfrinwyr Gloria in Excelsis. Canu cyfriniol sydd yn Pantycelyn. Cafodd dröedigaeth wrth Catholig. y casgliadau hyn ac, meddai Saunders, wrando ar Howel Harris yn pregethu yn Yn ei lyfr, dewisiodd Saunders ddilyn ‘dyma awr meddwdod Williams […] dyma Nhalgarth ym 1737. Trwy ei emynau bu’n Bonafentur (1221-1274), ‘Tywysog y orig ei wynfyd, ei ail dröedigaeth nad oes ddylanwad mawr ar y diwylliant Cymreig, Cyfrinwyr’, fel y galwodd y Pab Leo XIII sôn amdani ond yn ei ganeuon ei hun’. ond wrth i ni ddathlu trichanmlwyddiant ef, gan agor ei feirniadaeth enwog gyda Yr hyn a wnaeth Saunders oedd geni’r emynydd blaenllaw, beth oedd y brawddeg o’i waith, Y Ffordd Drifflyg sef, taflu goleuni cwbl newydd ar waith dylanwadau ar ‘Y Pêr Ganiedydd’ ei hun, ‘Rhaid yw esgyn ar hyd ffordd drifflyg: Pantycelyn gan newid y ffordd y a dwysder a melysder ei ganu? ffordd y puro, ac yn honno y glanheir o dehonglwyd ei farddoniaeth am byth Un o lyfrau pwysicaf Saunders bechod; ffordd y goleuni, ac yn honno y drwy droi at y cyfrinwyr Catholig a Lewis yw ei feirniadaeth lenyddol dilynir Crist; ffordd yr uno, ac yn honno ‘chanfod ynddynt yr eglurhad i bopeth a Williams Pantycelyn (1927). Ynddo, y derbynnir y Priodfab.’ Drwy weddill y oedd yn dywyll ym mywyd Pantycelyn.’ eglura Saunders fod yn rhaid edrych gyfrol, dyma’r ffon fesur a ddefnyddia i Ystyrir ei feirniadaeth lenyddol ar waith drwy ffenestr wahanol i ddeall bod ddehongli cynnyrch llenyddol Pantycelyn. Pantycelyn fel dechrau cyfnod newydd profiad Pantycelyn yn ddyfnach na’i Yn gyntaf ceir, Ffordd y Puro, gydag yn yr astudiaeth o Bantycelyn a heb os, ddiwinyddiaeth. emynau a gyhoeddwyd yn Aleluia a fe fyddai’n dealltwriaeth ni cymaint yn Llwydda Saunders i dreiddio i Hosanna i Fab Dafydd, a hefyd ei gân dlotach hebddo. mewn i bersonoliaeth Pantycelyn, hir, Golwg ar Deyrnas Crist. Yn yr ail gan ddatguddio ei fywyd ysbrydol gyfnod, Ffordd y Goleuni, ceir Caniadau As we celebrate the 300th allan o’i waith llenyddol. Ystyrir y llyfr y rhai sydd ar y Môr o Wydr, a beirniada anniversary since the birth of Wales’ yn gampwaith gan nad oedd unrhyw Saunders fod meistrolaeth Williams dros most famous and influential hymn feirniad blaenorol wedi deall mai am ei gyfrwng llenyddol yn grymuso a’i writers, William Williams Pantycelyn, brofiadau’r enaid yr oedd barddoniaeth brofiad ysbrydol yn aeddfedu. At hynny, the Revd Rhun ap Robert examines Williams yn ymwneud ag ef ac â’r math o dyweda Saunders i ddisgrifiad Williams unexpected influences on his works. farddoniaeth na welwyd yng Nghymru ers o’r temtasiynau a’r anawsterau a’i blinai

AfterFestival the resounding success of of Prayerlast something to suit. There’s prayer through eco-spirituality, and year’s first ever Diocesan Festival of play – even Lego! – or through poetry, Fr Brendan O’Malley, Prayer, this year’s preparations are well dance, walking or silence. Or what about drawing on long underway. On Saturday, July 1 there’s a new perspectives on the Lord’s Prayer, or experience of Celtic fresh opportunity to explore a wide range Franciscan or Marian spirituality. There’s Christianity and of different spiritual perspectives and also the chance to learn about spirituality Spiritual Direction. approaches from across the Christian and prayer in Islamic tradition. For more spectrum. Alongside local speakers from the information, and to book Whether you want to deepen your Diocese and St Padarn’s Institute (staff visit www.festivalofprayer.co.uk/. The walk with God along familiar paths, or and ordinands), the Festival will welcome day costs £25, including tea/coffee and try something new, you should find Brother Samuel SSF, who will address lunch.

Caption Competition From water pistols First place went to Alan Bowen of St to chip and pin Catwg’s Church, Cadoxton, Neath, for machines….. “This will keep them awake during my sermons”. Thank you for all Please send in your captions for this your entries to the photograph to Alison Young, Croeso, caption competition. Llandaff Diocese, The Court, Coychurch, Remember the picture Bridgend, CF35 5HF or by email to from the last edition? [email protected]

CROESO Spring 2017 | 15 In the steps of a saint

The new , Bishop Joanna - a former Cardiff High School pupil – reflects on the parallels between the difficult times that our patron saint of Wales, St David lived in and those faced by us today.

As the new Bishop of St Davids, one David took the grace of God seriously. while the lives of our elderly people can of my first major celebrations was He dedicated his life to God, expecting be isolated and lonely in a way that appropriately St David’s Day at St that God could and would work in him those of us who are in the midst of the Davids. It was a solemn, prayerful and and in the lives of his companions, not hustle and bustle of family or career can joyful occasion including a service of because they were holy and pious but easily forget. The social, political and celebration with the schools, a walk from because the God and economic realities of our St Non’s Well, the place of St David’s Father of our Lord Jesus The social, lives are going to change birth, through the city of St Davids to Christ could be trusted. “ beyond measure over the his shrine in the Cathedral for prayers, In Wales, we have often political and next two to three years. concluding with a celebratory Eucharist prayed for revival. We economic realities We do not know what in the evening. It is humbling to be the still hear people pray for of our lives are lies ahead. My time at 129th successor to St David himself and revival and renewal as if St Davids reminded me to celebrate his feast day in the place God needs persuading. going to change that whatever is going on of his community’s life of prayer. What As I spent March 1st at St beyond measure around us, we are called came home to me was his reality. St Davids, I realised afresh over the next two to take seriously the David was not a saint floating piously that God doesn’t need faith we profess, to offer above the difficulties and struggles of persuading: God simply to three years.” God in hope and trust life, peacefully and serenely. He was needs the opportunity of the complexities of our an ordinary person simply dedicated to people who will calmly, consideredly personalities, our circumstances and our living out the life of faith in Christ the best and rationally take the Christian calling lives and learn day by day to cooperate way he could in the complex realities of seriously. with the grace of God. St David and the his time. He took God seriously, he took St David lived in dangerous and community he drew around him did just the life of prayer seriously, he took the difficult times. We live in changing and that and the grace of God that flowed struggle with his own sins, failings and difficult times. Different generations are through them evangelised a nation and flaws seriously and he took seriously the living completely different and parallel still ripples to this day. We never cease reality of the Church as a community of lives. The lives of our young people are to be earthen vessels but we are created flawed and failing human beings who dominated by the potentials and pitfalls and called to be earthen vessels that nevertheless are called to become “the of social media in a way those of us bear the treasure of Christ. righteousness of God” (2Cor 5:21). St who are older can only begin to imagine

Croeso is edited by Alison Young and designed by Jeff Lewis (Space on White). The deadline for the next edition is May 26, 2017. Please send all copy and images to [email protected]